Concept Breakdown: Earthquakes are a result of seismic activity, mainly occurring along clearly defined, linear patterns that align with plate boundaries.

Real World Examples: Picture the vast Atlantic Ocean. Right in the middle, there's a clear line of earthquakes associated with the Mid-Atlantic Ridge-a constructive plate boundary. Another hotspot for quakes is around the Pacific Ocean.

Note the Differences: You'll find broader belts of earthquakes where subduction zones exist (think of the Nazca Plate slipping beneath the South American Plate). In contrast, narrower belts form around constructive plate margins, where plates are moving apart, like creating more room at a dinner table!

Exceptions to the Rule: But don't get too comfy with these patterns. Some earthquakes can happen outside these areas due to human activities or isolated plumes of rising magma known as hotspots.

Concept Breakdown: Volcanoes mostly pop up at plate boundaries, but they also form above hotspots (the exception to the rule strikes again!).

Real World Examples: Think about the Pacific Ring of Fire-it's home to around 75% of Earth’s 550 historically active volcanoes. Picture a globetrotting trip from Mt Pinatubo (Philippines) to Mt Unzen (Japan) to Mt Agung (Java) to Mt Chichon (Mexico) to Mt St Helens (USA), and finally Nevado del Ruiz (Colombia)-all are part of the ring of fire. Other active areas are Iceland, Montserrat in the Caribbean, and Mt Nyiragongo in Congo.

Special Case: The Hawaiian Islands, unlike most, are located in the middle of the ocean, and are formed due to a hotspot or mantle plume—a jet of hot material rising from deep within the mantle.